[2012] Help for first time trip

vlapinta · Aug 22, 2012

My husband and I will be married 30 years and we would love to plan a trip to Hawaii. This will be our first time in Hawaii. I have a Marriott OW that I deposited with II that I can use to trade. We haven't decided which island we should go to. We love snorkeling, so being close to great snorkeling is a must for us. We would also like to be close to resturants that we could possibly walk to. We really don't want to drive if we don't have to. We are looking for a more relaxing vacation. Any suggestions what resort and island we should look to trade into. We are very flexable with dates. Should we look to fly directly there, or stay a few days in California to break up our long flight? Any suggestions would really be appreciated

slum808 · Aug 22, 2012

If you don't want to drive much, I would rule out Ko Olina. The resort only has two restaurants and the JW next door. I would go for Maui, but that will be a more difficult trade. If you're flexible on dates you can probably get it.

As far as flying, that depends on how well you fly. Some of our family likes to fly direct from NY. It's a long haul but you can relax once you get here.

glypnirsgirl · Aug 22, 2012

I love Kauai. The island is more natural, feels more Hawaiian to me. We have snorkeled a few of the beaches on the north shore. The surf was rough while we were there (April). It gets calmer in the summer.

I would not suggest staying in the Princeville area. It is too remote.

I would suggest either Poipu (still a little remote --- resorts are spread out) or Lihue. In Lihue, you would be able to walk to many shops and restaurants.

I don't know how the snorkeling is in Lihue.

Or I would go more touristy and go to the Ka'anapali area of Maui. Yep, its touristy all right. High end, soothing touristy. And the snorkeling is fabulous. It is the snorkeling that I love there.

artringwald · Aug 22, 2012

If you can get in it, Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai as a great snorkeling beach in front of it, has several restaurants within 1 mile, and Poipu has a very relaxed, laid back atmosphere. It's also more likely to be sunny than many other Hawaiian destinations.

slip · Aug 22, 2012

From the information you gave, I would go with Maui. You can snorkel, relax and
Walk to where you want to eat. Kauai is my favorite but I think you have to drive
To really enjoy the beauty of the island. I would still get a car at least for a few
Days no matter which island you choose.

As far as the flight, it does matter how well you each can handle long flights.
I prefer to have at least one stop if not two when I go from Wisconsin. It lets me
Get out and refresh myself but I don't stay over night in another city. We travel
All day to get there. I like to get there at about 5 or 6 pm and get unpacked get
Something to eat and go to bed. We get up refreshed and ready to vacation.

daventrina · Aug 23, 2012

Maui

slip said:
From the information you gave, I would go with Maui.

That's what I was going to say....
The snorkeling on Maui is generally better than Kauai...
Instead of spending time in California ... I think we'd probably spent the extra time in Hawaii....

vlapinta · Aug 23, 2012

I am leaning towards Maui, but rethinking it a little. My husband loves to explore and I am sure he is going to want to rent a car for at least a few days so does that change anything? Snorkeling off the beach is #1 priority, #2 would be resturants but they don't have to be high end. We love a relaxed atmosphere. Is there any time of the year when the surf is too rough?
What airlines should we book with out of NY/NJ
Any recommendations of resort in Maui. I am trading a Marriott. Thanks again for all who replied.

Passepartout · Aug 23, 2012

W. Maui would be my choice. Get your request in early, then if DH wants to do some exploring, plan your return flight after a couple days (at least) stay in Honolulu. (Oahu island) to see Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, and all that that entails. Your flight selections will be greater from HNL than Maui as well. For lodging, also check www.vrbo.com for rental homes/condos to be able to extend your stay.

Many airlines fly non-stop from the E. Coast. Do you have points/status/miles with any of them? If so, that may be your default airline of choice.

Just curious here- Any particular reason you don't want to drive? It isn't difficult and opens up your choices of dining and activities. Public transport on Maui is not what you may be used to.

Have fun, the planning is the best part!

Jim

daventrina · Aug 23, 2012

vlapinta said:
I am leaning towards Maui, but rethinking it a little. My husband loves to explore and I am sure he is going to want to rent a car for at least a few days so does that change anything? Snorkeling off the beach is #1 priority, #2 would be restaurants ... Is there any time of the year when the surf is too rough?
What airlines should we book with out of NY/NJ
Any recommendations of resort in Maui. I am trading a Marriott. Thanks again for all who replied.

Maui Marriott Ocean Club on Ka'anapali Beach.
Maui will meet your priority #1&2.
There is more than enough exploring to do on Maui that it would keep you busy while you are there. There is reasonable useful alternative transportation between Ka'anapali and Lahina.

The surf can be rough late August-early October (tropical storm/hurricane season) and in the winter. The best shot for morning lake conditions can be late June-early August (also expensive airfare). Best compromise can be October. But, the weather is never that predictable. Check out Glen's Trip Planning Weather.

DeniseM · Aug 23, 2012

Most of Hawaii is very rural - unless you just plan to camp out at the resort, you absolutely need a car. Honestly, if you just want a relaxing vacation at the resort, you should go to Mexico, or somewhere cheaper, because it really doesn't make any sense to pay high airfare and fly all the way to Hawaii, if you don't want to get a car and get out and see Hawaii.

vlapinta · Aug 23, 2012

I have no problem renting a car to explore the island. We enjoy doing that. Just to clarify, I just didn't want to be in an area where we had to drive to get everywhere. We also enjoy walking to dinner and not always having to get in a car. I am not at all familiar with Hawaii so it's a learning expierience. I really appreciate all the great comments/suggestions!

vlapinta · Aug 23, 2012

I have no problem renting a car to explore the island. We enjoy doing that. Just to clarify, I just didn't want to be in an area where we had to drive to get everywhere. We also enjoy walking to dinner and not always having to get in a car. I am not at all familiar with Hawaii so it's a learning expierience. I really appreciate all the great comments/suggestions!

DeniseM · Aug 23, 2012

Except for Honolulu and maybe Kona, your dining choices will be very limited if you don't have a car. Except for Honolulu, Hawaii is very rural - you pretty much have to drive.

artringwald · Aug 23, 2012

If you want to break up the flight, consider booking on Alaska Airlines. You can get flights that have 12+ hour layovers in Seattle. That way, you can check your luggage all the way through, book an airport hotel, and take overnight stuff in your carry on. That way you can arrive in Hawaii earlier, just in time for check-in, and leave late at night, so you get maximum use of the last day. We're planning on doing that when we go next February.

barefootnAR · Aug 23, 2012

If you could exchange into the Marriott Ocean Club in Kaanapali You will have a variety of walk to restaurants in the resorts that line that beach and also several at the Whaler's village Shops in the middle of the strip. There's a resort area trolley that will pick you up at the resort for free drop and pick up at any of the shops or resorts on that beach strip.

MommaBear · Aug 23, 2012

barefootnAR said:
If you could exchange into the Marriott Ocean Club in Kaanapali You will have a variety of walk to restaurants in the resorts that line that beach and also several at the Whaler's village Shops in the middle of the strip. There's a resort area trolley that will pick you up at the resort for free drop and pick up at any of the shops or resorts on that beach strip.

There is also very good snorkeling in the area. Maui is our favorite island for snorkeling from the shore. There is also lots to explore on Maui- Haleakela, road to Hana and the road around the backside from Hana. (This is not always open and I would recommend doing it in a car with high clearance.) I would recommend just getting the flight over with. We have done it each way and really prefer just getting there. You could easily do the flight in two legs and be there by mid afternoon.

One warning- we went to Hawaii for our 30th anniversary and absolutely fell in love with the islands, the people, the weather, the water. We go back every year now.

Tamaradarann · Aug 23, 2012

Marirott Ocean Club - Kanapali on Maui

DeniseM said:
Most of Hawaii is very rural - unless you just plan to camp out at the resort, you absolutely need a car. Honestly, if you just want a relaxing vacation at the resort, you should go to Mexico, or somewhere cheaper, because it really doesn't make any sense to pay high airfare and fly all the way to Hawaii, if you don't want to get a car and get out and see Hawaii.

I believe that the Marriott Ocean Club in Kanapali on Maui would be a place where you could walk some and go to dinner at the restaurants alone the strip. A car would be needed to go to Lahaina. Kihei, Paia, and the other nice towns on Maui and the other great attractions.

Tamaradarann · Aug 23, 2012

Marriott Ocean Club on Maui in Kanapali

vlapinta said:
I am leaning towards Maui, but rethinking it a little. My husband loves to explore and I am sure he is going to want to rent a car for at least a few days so does that change anything? Snorkeling off the beach is #1 priority, #2 would be resturants but they don't have to be high end. We love a relaxed atmosphere. Is there any time of the year when the surf is too rough?
What airlines should we book with out of NY/NJ
Any recommendations of resort in Maui. I am trading a Marriott. Thanks again for all who replied.

Based on your posts and the Marriott timeshares, I would recommend the Marriott Ocean Club on Maui. We have stayed there for a week and could have easily stayed longer. There is alot to do within walking distance and a tremendous amount to do with a car on Maui.

vlapinta · Aug 24, 2012

Thank you all for being so kind to help us out. I think my decision has been made! Marriott Ocean Club. Now to figure out when I want to go lol!!

daventrina · Aug 24, 2012

vlapinta said:
Thank you all for being so kind to help us out. I think my decision has been made! Marriott Ocean Club. Now to figure out when I want to go lol!!

II's computer will help you out a bit with that. You may san to think about adding the Westin to your search.

It is a bit of a hike to Whaler's Village from there (if you walk)... But the beach is MUCH nicer there and the snorkeling/diving is fantastic in front of the resort.
So it would be a trade off between distance to snorkeling vs distance to dining/shopping.
Rather way Black Rock is about in the middle.

DeniseM · Aug 24, 2012

The Westin Villas have a free continuous shuttle to the Westin Hotel and the Sheraton Hotel (right next to Whaler's Village, etc.) and also to Lahaina - no need for a hike.

I think that people from the East Coast often picture Hawaii Beaches, like the East Coast beaches, with all the tourist amenities and walk-to locations. It's important to realize that Hawaii is not like that - for the most part, Hawaii is rural. The Ka'anapali Beach area consists of a number of nice resorts along a popular beach, but it is not in a urban area, like you'd find on the East Coast, so there are not hundreds of shops and restaurants right at your fingertips.

K2Quick · Aug 24, 2012

Another vote for Westin Ka'anapali Villas - especially if snorkeling is your #1 priority. At the Marriott, you'll have to hoof it down to Black Rock (not overly burdensome, but still about 10 minutes or so). At WKORV, you've got better snorkeling (generally speaking) right in front of the resort. It's my favorite vacation resort on the planet and I am biased, but when we go to Maui, I do everything in my power to get WKORV.

And be sure to get a car. Even after the ridiculous taxes, you can get a car for less than $25 a day and there's plenty of things worth taking little trips for.

daventrina · Aug 24, 2012

DeniseM said:
...so there are not hundreds of shops and restaurants right at your fingertips.

I like the map... puts it all in perspective.

Most of the 10s of places that do exist are in Whalers Village ( http://www.whalersvillage.com/ )

The Resorts have some places to eat and small shops. Other than that .. its in Whalers Village or Lahaina.

BTW: I think the Westin still has resort SCUBA dives...

cissy · Aug 25, 2012

Both maps are really useful. Is there a link to the one showing all of the resorts? Thanks.

jlr10 · Aug 26, 2012

We love Kauai for the beauty, and it looks like what we always imagined Hawaii would be like. But for what you describe on your list I would agree that Maui would be best. The Marriott there is fine. but we found we like the Westin better. Either would be a great trade and meet most of your wish list.

[2012] Help for first time trip

vlapinta

slum808

glypnirsgirl

TUG Review Crew: Expert

artringwald

TUG Review Crew

slip

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

daventrina

vlapinta

Passepartout

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

daventrina

DeniseM

vlapinta

vlapinta

DeniseM

artringwald

TUG Review Crew

barefootnAR

MommaBear

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

Tamaradarann

TUG Review Crew: Expert

Tamaradarann

TUG Review Crew: Expert

vlapinta

daventrina

DeniseM

K2Quick

daventrina

cissy

jlr10